Play comes naturally to kids. They use it as a way to express their feelings and learn new things. But in the age of electronics we live in, video games and screens can take over a child’s free time. Screen-free, or traditional play, offers benefits kids just don't get from playing on an iPad or on the latest game console.

On Saturday, November 3, the Challenger Learning Center will celebrate 15 years of bringing the wonders of space and STEM to local kids with a free community event. But before lift-off this fall, the Center is hosting a special logo competition that will give one young artist the chance to put their stamp on history.

Perhaps the most important new discovery in early learning is the fact that children can either shut down or expand their learning successes based solely on the way they think about themselves as learners. Here's how to tell if your child needs an attitude check.

I will never be the mom whose kids show up at doorsteps on Halloween as anything other than what you can buy in a bag. No – mine are the children sporting the “five-piece pirate suit” and answering the question of “What are you this year?” with “A medium.”

Kids who are curious about robots will have a radically good time at this free workshop, where they'll learn to control automation through sound, make a soccer robot score a goal and build a robot hand. Presented by Mad Science of St. Louis.

More than a half million lights will illuminate some of the Garden's most iconic locations, walkways will be transformed into sensory light tunnels providing an explosion of visual magic, and traditional candlelight village displays will delight crowds of all ages.

Engage your young scientist in science-related learning at the Saint Louis Science Center's Preschool Science Series. Through interactive stories and hands-on exploration, children learn about science, as well as language, problem-solving and social skills.

While national chains, like McAlister’s Deli, Fazoli’s and O’Charley’s, are famous for their kids’ promo nights, there are plenty of locally owned restaurants across the metro area that can curve your little ones’ cravings at no extra cost to you. Plus, it gives you a much-needed break from oven duty.

In the first two years of a child’s life, parents lose a whopping six months worth of sleep. When they do sleep, most don't stay asleep for more than three hours at a time. Ouch! Once kids are older we can finally start sleeping through the night, right? Uh, not exactly.

As school classrooms become more focused on math, science, reading and writing excellence, our children may be missing out on some of the most important skills they can learn—appreciation of and active participation in the arts.